30.6.10

It's been a fun ride, and now the final installment in the seven part web-documentary presented by sports brand Etnies in celebration of Ed Banger Records' seventh anniversary... there's not much to say but enjoy, and check out the artists who, I'd hope, you've come to love over the past week.

"Shoes! I'm all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe. Unfortunately, so many people get it right from the head until the ankles. The shoe is very important. I can't even f-ck with you if your shoe game is slacking."-Solange Knowles (on her secret style weapon)

For those out there, like me, that find it hard to resolve being an active participant in the secular world while also being socially aware and environmentally concious, there is hope.Author Justin Kreb's makes living a more enviromentally friendly, socially conscious, and liberally minded life easier and even enjoyable. His tips are super simple, and include suggestions such as seeking out your local diner, sharing your home wi-fi connection, and visiting your neighborhood parks.The book, 538 Ways to Live, Work, and Play Like a Liberal is available for purchase this Sunday, July 4th... how fitting, huh?

Last night, Brooklyn rapper Theophilus London was featured on IFC's Dinner With The Band. For those not familiar with Theophilus London, well, get familiar... for those in the dark about Dinner With The Band, well, it's essentially a cooking show where chef Sam Mason interviews a band/artist while he cooks for them. During the show, the band/artist gives a couple performances. Now that we're on the same page, Theophilus London performed his hits Julia and Humdrum Town.

Not shown on tv however were two additional performances, one for Cold Pillow, and the other for a previously unreleased, unrecorded track called Feelings Involved. The above clip is of that performance, and can I just say I'm in love with the high energy of it all, and hope to all bejeebus that it ends up on the album. Check it out above, and be sure to check out Theophilus London's blog which has been linked to above.

IFC's Dinner With The Band airs Tuesday nights at 10.30p with occassional repeats throughout the week. Oh, and before I forget, the show uses legit music for its soundtrack; last night's episode featured Junk Culture, Kenan Bell, Alan Wilkis, Ace Fadal, and a personal favorite, Major Lazer.

29.6.10

Recently, Nicola Formichetti posted pics of this unknown male model during a shoot for Japanese Men's Vogue, of which he is the fashion director. The model looks suspisciously similar to Stefani Germanotta, best known as Lady Gaga. It wouldn't be surprising if it was, considering Formichetti is the stylist to Our Lady of Gagalupe; however nothing has been confirmed. I, as a fan, would be extremely overjoyed to discover this to be Gaga; it would make a very bold statement by way of society's views on gender-conformity and transpolitics. For now, I'd like to believe it is indeed, the one and only, Gagaloo; and invite you to check out the other pics that have been released from the the shoot (after the jump) courtesy of Nick Knight and ShowStudio.com

In honor and celebration of Ed Banger Records' seventh anniversary, the record label has teamed up with the sports brand Etnies to create a web-documentary. The web-doc follows it's most popular artists as they head to NYC to cause all kinds of mischief. Since this past thursday, there has been an episode-a-day released, and now it's time to play catch up, because I didn't realize episodes 3-6 were already released... so here's episode 3; and catch 4, 5, and 6 after the jump... and just in case the video doesn't appear above, rest assured it will show after the cut.

Part three of Converse's short film in anticipation of the awesome music collaborative project coming soon. The films follow the artists being featured on the track which drops in July. This installment spotlights Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend as he discusses his inspirations and love for the city of Brooklyn. The film also gives us an early listen to a part of the Converse collaboration, which Batmanglij produced himself. Enjoy!

28.6.10

This video has already made its rounds on the internet a number of times since the anniversary of MJ's death this past Friday, and I've been reluctant to watch it till now... and I am so glad I did.

This rendition of the 1983 Michael Jackson hit is such a lovely, soulful, romantic take on an otherwise dance-worthy track. Now sit back and enjoy this cool jazz piece by Aloe Blacc, the man responsible for the intro track from the HBO series How to Make it in America.

[sidenote: I just found out this song was released on my birthday, Jan 2nd; what a coincidence, lol]

This cute little film portrays, in a humorous way, the struggles women face in the professional field, and the unequal responsibility doled out to them when it comes to juggling work and a family/household. If you don't understand why the woman received such a low score by the end of the film, despite her ultimate success, check the wage gap that STILL exists between men and women, and maybe that will enlighten your understanding.

"People have so many expectations when they go out, so many wishes about what their night is going to be... I'm more into the empowerment of going out, because it's always been the place where I could be myself and get inspired. Even if I'm sad, dancing is a way to let stuff out."-Robyn (on dancing alone at clubs)

The Challenge: Live life by your own standards, and not by the will of others.Life, at least for me, is a constant struggle between what I want, what I need, and what's expected of me. In making dramatic, and even minute, life decisions, I have a need for confirmation and assurance that what I am doing is the right thing to do. I'm afraid to take risks, though I take them all the time... or rather, I take the risk if someone agrees it's a risk worth taking. While this may enable me in my mind to believe that I have control over my reality, and over the direction in which my life goes, in the end, it leaves me constantly doubting myself. I am at a place in my life now where the need to take the reins is more necessary than ever. I know what I want from life, and I need not allow my own insecurities to get in the way of what I want, and can achieve. In life, we can have whatever it is that we want, but it won't just fall in our laps, we have to go for it, wholeheartedly, and without fear. So, I challenge you, as I've challenged myself this past week, and will continue to do into the future, to live life by your own standards, and not by the will of others."Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” ~William ShakespeareDon't forget to share your testimonials in the comment section.

24.6.10

This is part two of Converse's short film series which follows the lives of its three artist featured in their new music collaborative project. This clip features Cleveland-born rapper KiD CuDi as he discusses his beginnings in the hip-hop game, and what motivates him. Stay tuned for part three which will feature Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend.

[sidenote: to see part one which features Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, click here]

The London label has launched its f/w 2010 campaign in a very innovative way. I could show you better than I could tell you, so just follow the link, click around, and experience Burberry Interactive... Its so fun watching the clothing in motion, and at more than just the photographer's desired angle. The camapign features Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nina Porter, Sam Rollinson, Charlotte Wiggins, Caspar Smyth, Douglas Booth, Gwilym Gold, Rory Cottam, Samuel Fry, Seb Brice, Thomas Penfound. Enjoy!

To celebrate Ed Banger Records seventh anniversary, the french music label is teaming up with shoebrand Etnies to create a seven part film project. The documentary follows the label's major artists: Justice, Ufﬁe, Busy P, DJ Medhi, SoMe, Sebastian, Breakbot, and Feadz. This is episode one; stay tuned for episode two tomorrow, and three the next day, and four the day after that, and so on and so forth. Press Play!

These four gorgeous young women were featured together on the cover of i-D's September 2009 issue. Today was my first time seeing this behind-the-scenes look at the shoot, and it always get's me hyped to see models in their element. This issue was especially important to mebecause it featured an all-black cast; a rarity in an industry that values more traditionally european features. In step with my whole new thing of celebrating self, I've gotten into celebrating black beauty, and embracing myself as a black male [I say Black, not African-American... I feel there is a difference, but that's a post best left up for another date]. So go on now, press play, enjoy the pretty ladies doing what they do best, or at least better than you or I.

[silly sidenote: reading over this, it sounds like a 5th grade book report, lol]

I am speaking this into the universe now, I will one day live amongst individuals seen in this video. Toasting with editors and photographers, jamming to musical powerhouses like Lykke Li, and being interviewed in the back of towncars by the likes of Yvan Rodick. It won't happen overnight, but in time, it will happen. Photos from this event can be found on Yvan's visual diary.

A few years ago, Converse released a music collaboration called My Drive Thru which featured Santigold, Pharrell, and Julian Casablancas... this year, they're doing it again. Best Coast, KiD CuDi, and Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend are the music phenoms that are taking the mic together. In anticpation of this track, three short films are being released. Above is the first of the series which features Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast talking about what inspires her music. I'm glad to see Best Coast on this project, as I'm just getting into this band, and it encourages me to want to know more about them. I'm so excited for this track; My Drive Thru was really cool, to say the least, so hopefully this new collab doesn't dissapoint. The song drops next month; I'll keep you updated, don't worry.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore--And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floorShall be lifted--nevermore!-Edgar Allen Poe (The Raven)-

22.6.10

As much as I make fun of Tyra, she truly is an excellent role model for not only young girls, but young men as well [cause duh, I look up to her]. I remember seeing stills from this interview last year, but in a more comedic scope (making fun of Tyra smizing and making faces, that part of the video is hilarious). Seeing it now, in its entirety, it just adds to the positive image I have of her in my mind's eye. She is a hard-working, independent black woman who hasn't forgotten where she came from, and knows where she's going. Tyra is indeed an icon in the fashion world, despite not being as edgy or controversial as other models of the past and present, but she carved out a great niche for herself in the industry nonetheless. Because really, though none of the ANTM girls have really gone anywhere major, the influence her show has had on the American public in terms of introducing them to this world, and the world of modeling is not to be taken lightly. Enough of me praising Tyrannosaurus Banks, just watch the interview; and please forgive my incessant run-on sentences, it's summer, and I'm about to go crazy here at work... only one more hour to go.

I'm super excited to scoop my copy of this brand new style publication; they are attacking fashion from a different angle: focusing on the individuals who are responsible for this billion dollar industry so many of us live and breathe. The magazine hits US newstands this week; check your local international magazine retailer.

I love this ad campaign, they embody the tagline, 25 Years For A Woman, By A Woman. The shots show both the sensuality and power of the female, and Karlie seems like such a good fit for this. Donna Karan has been around the block for a while, and she as a woman is very classy and regal in my opinion; this campaign really embodies what she, and her designs are:Woman Identified Woman

Say, can I give you the tools to build,A structure bearing some resemblance to a life fulfilled?Tell me, have you ever wondered how as you grow older time begins to disappear?Why, this is because a child lives for the day, a teenager lives for the month, and an adult lives for the year.Time seems to pass when you truly desire it to,But wishing it away, well indirectly you're simply wishing to die.

18.6.10

The Challenge: Celebrate some aspect of your identity; marry the shadow and persona of your life.Since moving back home to D.C. from a two year stint in California, I've been finding myself in a bit of an identity crisis. It's no secret that the west coast, and the SF Bay Area specifically, is much more open-minded than those of us on the East Coast. I don't strive to figure out why, but I must say that it's something unique about that part of the country that just nurtures individuality. I had a lot of growth take place while over there, and as the days go on here back in D.C., I'm trying to reclaim that confidence and love of life that I wore as a badge back in the Bay. Loving ourselves is something easier said than done; we're constantly living with two identities: The Shadow (private) and the Persona (public). We tweak some form of our shadow, as to become more accepted by the general public, so we create a persona. For some, it's a dramatic contrasts, for others, it's simply toned-down. Whatever the case may be for you, I simply challenge you to find some aspect of your own identity, and celebrate it. This being LGBTQIA month, I've begun being myself wholehartedly, and not fearing public disapproval because I don't subscribe to how a young man is supposed to act, or what's masculine. I'm, in a sense, living my life, and dancing, like nobody's looking, and I charge you to do the same."We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies." ~Roderick Thorp, Rainbow DriveDon't forget to share your testimonials in the comment section.

I'll be honest, I wasn't in love with this song when it was first introduced to me. I've been a fan of Uffie's for almost 2 years now, and I'm super excited that her album is finally coming out. The first track off the album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans, is a kind of odd-one-out when listening to the others songs. This is very pop-sounding, while the majority of her album is reminiscent of a Lady Sovereign or Amanda Blank (that angsty rap sound). The video however has me really digging the track; I guess sometimes a visual component really does help. Produced by Pharrell, you'll see him in the video, the track is fun, dance-able, and will most likely find its way onto many people's late-night playlists. Enjoy.

[p.s. look for a complete review and download of the album in the coming days]

This short film about a girl and boy who discover a magical idol inside the belly of a rabbit... what follows can only be described as a comically sadistic. The film, created by Run Wrake studios has one a good number of awards, a list of which can be found on their website. This film is well worth the nine minutes. Enjoy.

16.6.10

You think you have problems? Well this sarcastic oil soaked bird has news for you, as stated in his bio: I'm sick of your bellyaching! That, and finding petrol dispersants in my throat pouch. To whoever created this twitter account, kudos to you! The BP Oil Spill situation is a very unfortunate one, and for anyone that cares about the state of our planet ecologically, it's quite a downer. Offering the gift of humor as solace is great, and through twitter no less... awesome idea!

This being LGBTQIA Pride month, I felt this cake recipe I came across would be perfect. The rainbow deliciousness pictured above is actually six different cakes, layered together with Lemon Swiss Meringue Buttercream frosting. I'm not one to bake, but this has me wanting to jump in the kitchen and get my Buddy Valastro on. A cherry bomb on top would be the perfect touch, no?

15.6.10

Newly introduced to Breakbot, I gotta say, I'm enamored with the frenchman's sound. It's a mix of funk and electronic music; I wanna get up and dance to this so bad. I can't quite pinpoint what other artists I can liken him to, but I guess that's a good thing, shows he's original. I will say however, if Justice and Stevie Wonder had audiophilic relations, their offspring would sound something like Breakbot.
[Hey! My ears, my hypothetical musical inception; don't judge, lol]

The guy's debut single, Baby I'm Yours is infectious, and here's the part that will really get you... its video was done entirely by hand. Let me clarify, approximately 2000 watercolor paintings were fashioned by artist Irina Dakava, just for this video. The result is a visual masterpiece of which I find, quite fascinating.

Not long ago, I watched Lords of Dogtown (2005) for the first time. The film about skate legends Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Ray Adams gave me a new appreciation for the sport. Skating, but more specifically skateboarding is truly an art; watching the moves and the precision is so beautiful. Directed by Brett Novak, this short film gets me really excited, and seriously wishing to be there to witness skater Killian Martin in action.

14.6.10

For American Vogue, this is damn good. No offense to Anna, but this is the best they've turned out in quite a while. The model is styled beautifully; and I wish I knew who styled it, because they deserve brownie points. This is what a resort spread should look like, for an aspirational magazine such as Vogue at least. I also really love the story that it is telling. It begins romantically, and ends with the woman taking her kids away and creating a life for herself. Others may see the ending differently, but I'd like to think those involved set out with a pro-feminist message in mind.

eta:
The photo captions apparently tell a very different tale... no political messages here.
Apparently, Grace Coddington styled this shoot.

I came across this collective of free-thinkers through my newsfeed (I hate facebook, but can't deny its benefits). I must say, I am very impressed with what this group of, I'm assuming, New Yorkers are creating. I'm not sure even how to appropriately describe them, as they have created an identity not based in labels, so I'll simply quote their website:

By combining the efforts of some of the most talented young photographers and writers across the globe, The Madbury Club is able to publish print inspired content in a revolutionary online format. Unrestricted by any one particular subculture or movement, Madbury crosses all boundaries to bring you, the reader, work of the utmost quality. Enjoy, and begin to consider yourself well read.

One teenage girl from Pennsylvania sets out to live the life of a Seventeen Magazine girl. Armed with her Jun/Jul 2010 issue, Jamie K implements all the beauty tips, adopts the styles, and practices the lifestyle changes that the glossy encourages. This social experiment aims to, in the bloggers own words, explore a dying aspect of teenage culture. Her entries are both thought provoking and comical; she doesn't take herself too seriously. Jamie shines a light on how ass-backwards Seventeen Magazine is, but not in one of those "you're counter-feminist, so you must be evil" sort of ways, so it stays fun for those "I'm not a feminist but..." types.

[p.s. If you happen to read this Jamie K, I'd like you to know that you're a fierce vagina warrior!]

I stumbled upon this animated short written and directed by Claude Clotier while channel surfing late last night, and I must say I'm in love. The film is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, if the princess was a narcoleptic woman named Betty from Montreal. At just over nine minutes, this adorable short has won various awards last year, and rightly so. Gotta love the Sundance Channel.

The Challenge: Talk to a stranger. It's as simple as that. Have a conversation with a stranger; sometimes, a smile, or a word, can turn someone's day completely around.Lately, I've been finding my thoughts going back to the 2004 episodic film Crash. The seemingly unrelated stories that tackle the issues of race left me with this lesson: we never truly know the stories that lie behind the mask. Daily we encounter dozens of people, unaffected by whatever joys or sorrows that may exist within their lives. Imagine what we could learn from one another if we just stopped and chatted. Imagine making small talk with the pimpled barista who makes your coffee every morning, or the homeless woman who sells newspapers outside of the metro station, or the man who works in the cubicle right next to you who's name you still do not know, despite working next to him for the past three years."What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” ~Kurt Vonnegut JrDon't forget to share your testimonials in the comment section.